Alternatives Analysis

EXISTING CONDITIONS AND FUTURE TRENDS REPORT

Prepared for: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Prepared by: AECOM/Jacobs-JJG Joint Venture Atlanta, GA

November 2012 GA 400 CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS EXISTING CONDITIONS AND FUTURE TRENDS REPORT

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ii NOVEMBER 2012 GA 400 CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS EXISTING CONDITIONS AND FUTURE TRENDS REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 1-1 1.1 Study Area Definition 1-1

1.2 Project Background 1-1

2.0 Key Findings 2-1 2.1 Socioeconomic Conditions 2-1

2.2 Land Use, Zoning, and Local Plans 2-2

2.3 Environmental Features 2-2

2.4 Transportation Conditions 2-3

3.0 Public and Stakeholder Input 3-1 4.0 Conclusion and Next Steps 4-1

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES Figure 1-1: GA 400 Corridor Study Area 1-3 Table 1-1: Daily Person Trips 2-3

NOVEMBER 2012 iii GA 400 CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS EXISTING CONDITIONS AND FUTURE TRENDS REPORT

Introduction

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has 1.1 Study Area Definition undertaken this study to identify potential and feasible transit The GA 400 corridor is the transportation spine of northern modal alternatives in the Georgia State Route 400 (GA 400) Fulton County, one of the fastest growing sub-regions in corridor to address future travel demands. The GA 400 study area the Atlanta region. The GA 400 Corridor AA addresses the is characterized by low-density, scattered land use patterns that travel market generally extending north along GA 400 from are automobile-dependent, a fragmented and discontinuous I-285 to the Fulton – Forsyth County boundary, a distance of roadway network, and a lack of transportation options in the approximately 15 miles. The GA 400 corridor study area is home corridor. Further, due to the lack of transportation options, a high to many large employers. The southern portion of the corridor, proportion of trips utilize GA 400 and State Route 9 (SR 9) since Perimeter Center, one of the largest employment centers in the they are the only available north-south routes. In addition to region. The study area, shown in Figure 1-1, centers on the GA roadways, a majority of the transit routes follow a similar north- 400 corridor and includes areas on either side of the highway. south pattern, limiting mobility for citizens that require east- west movement to and through the study area. To this end, the The entire study area lies within Fulton and DeKalb Counties and GA 400 Corridor Alternatives Analysis (AA) is intended to identify includes all or portions of the cities of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, improved travel options, enhanced transit services and access to Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton. Travel patterns in jurisdictions jobs for the commuters and residents in the corridor. adjacent to the study area including the cities of Atlanta, Johns Creek, and Mountain Park, as well as Gwinnett, Forsyth and The Existing Conditions and Future Trends Report provides an Cobb Counties will also be accessed. Major high traffic volume assessment of the socioeconomic, land use, environmental and arterials within the study area include portions of Interstate 285, travel conditions that potentially support the case for a major GA 400, SR 9 or Roswell Road, Hammond Drive, Abernathy Road, transit investment in the study area. This document highlights Northridge Road, Holcomb Bridge Road, Mansell Road, Haynes the key information pertaining to known features, trends, Bridge Road, Old Milton Parkway, and Windward Parkway. opportunities and constraints that may warrant further analysis as the project advances through the study process. A Technical Appendix has been designed to provide details on the extensive 1.2 Project Background data collected and analyzed to support the findings of this While assessing the existing conditions in the study area, report. particularly the mobility and travel issues along with the demographics, several themes emerged that reinforced the need for transportation improvements. These included the increased

INTRODUCTION NOVEMBER 2012 1-1 GA 400 CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS EXISTING CONDITIONS AND FUTURE TRENDS REPORT

travel demand and traffic congestion projected to result due to Concept 3, the vision plan for regional transit that was adopted by increases in population (especially the minority, low-income, and the Transit Planning Board in late 2008, also addresses the corridor. transit dependent), employment and households. Other themes The MARTA Board and the constituent governments in the MARTA involved an overall lack of transit mobility (especially regional service area, including Fulton and DeKalb Counties, endorsed this connectivity), noncompetitive transit travel times, constrained plan. The Concept 3 vision is also incorporated into the 2011 update of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), Plan 2040, prepared by economic development (due to the effect of congestion on the Atlanta Regional moving goods), and the negative impact to air quality in the study area. Commission (ARC). The corridor is also being addressed in the Additionally, the many prior studies in the GA 400 study area Atlanta Northside Strategy: A Northern Metro Atlanta Suburbs also indicated that the combination of land use patterns along Comprehensive Transit Feasibility Study and is included in the with the limited transportation options contributed heavily to Georgia Transportation Investment Act of 2010 (TIA 2010) the roadway congestion, and increased demand on the existing project list. infrastructure1. In February 2003, MARTA initiated a North Line AA to evaluate potential expansion alternatives and to select a locally preferred alternative (LPA) for a North Line extension. During the course of this analysis, ridership projections suggested that the study area was not sufficiently transit supportive due to a combination of high incomes and low household and employment densities. Consequently, a decision was made to redirect future planning activities. The North Line Transit-Oriented Development Study, a land use and market analysis was undertaken. The intent of this study was to assess the potential for transit-oriented development (TOD) and to encourage new development patterns along the GA 400 corridor to support future MARTA expansion in northern Fulton County. It promoted an understanding of TOD concepts, strategies, and opportunities among local communities along the GA 400 corridor. TOD refers to development activity located along or within walking distance to transit routes or stations that mixes residential, retail, office, and public uses in a walkable environment, making it convenient for residents and employees to travel by transit, bicycle or foot. In the past ten years, the study area has changed significantly, emerging as one of the fastest growing sub-regions in the metropolitan Atlanta region with some of the densest employment zones. A stronger integration between land use and transportation can counter many of the problems associated with low-density development by providing enhanced, lower- cost mobility options for residents and workers. Job centers that are clustered along major urban travel corridors have strong potential to support enhanced transit. Furthermore, the transformation of single-use suburban job centers to compact, mixed-use districts also offers the opportunity for shifting travel habits for mid-day convenience trips in addition to the commute trip .2

1 The potential for an expansion beyond the MARTA “Red Line” at North Springs was addressed in the MARTA Three Corridors Feasibility Study, which examined three areas for potential heavy rail extensions. The Three Corridors Feasibility Study concluded that both the West (Blue Line) and North (Red Line) corridors were feasible alternatives for extending the MARTA heavy rail system. 2 Transit Oriented Development and Employment. Dena Belzer and Sujata Srivastava of Strategic Economics , Jeff Wood of Reconnecting America , and Ellen Greenberg of ARUP. Center for Transit-Oriented Development , May 11, 2011

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Figure 1-1: GA 400 Corridor Study Area

Source: AECOM/JJG Joint Venture

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_ Key Findings

As stated earlier, the current development patterns in the in • Population Growth – The study area population has grown the GA 400 study area are typified by suburban sprawl, low- at a more rapid rate than the surrounding northern Fulton County as a whole during this last decade. In 2000, the density growth patterns, and a fragmented roadway network study area population was 119,082 residents. The 2010 with limited north-south and east-west options. In assessing US Census indicates an increase of 22 percent to 145,156. the existing conditions for the study areas, numerous themes Forecasts predict the population to grow to 164,150 by the year 2040, a 10 percent increase over the year 2010 or findings emerged in the areas of socioeconomics, land use, population. A growing population will continue to place natural and historic resources, and the transportation network. demands for additional transportation capacity on an already The following sections provide the key findings of the conditions overburdened transportation system in the study area and in the GA 400 corridor study area, particularly as they relate to the region. Figures 2-1 and 2-2 in the Appendix present population density. the potential transit improvements • Employment Growth – Forecasts predict the study area will become an increasingly important destination for work trips. Employment is forecast to grow from 147,144 jobs in the 2.1 Socioeconomic Conditions year 2009 to nearly 212,861 by the year 2040, a 45 percent increase. Assessments of transportation impacts will need to Although transit feasibility is linked to both population and consider the changing travel patterns that are likely to result employment densities, it is important to note the considerably from this growth in employment and changes to the housing higher share of study area employment when compared to and employment balance in the corridor. Figures 2-3 and 2-4 in the Appendix present employment density. its population. The employment sector is the predominant • Transit Use – According to the US Census, approximately transit market in the study area. The study area is projected to four percent of the residents 16 years of age and older in the experience a 45 percent increase in jobs by 2040 and will remain study area currently use transit to get to work. Improvements a strong activity center and economic base for the region. This in transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities in the corridor may provide significant mobility and quality of life trend will further burden an already constrained transportation enhancements for these residents as well as those who own system as more people commute to the many employment private automobiles but may choose to use other modes of centers in the study area. The GA 400 corridor is an affluent and transportation for a share of their trips. According to the ARC prosperous commuter corridor in the north-central portion of Regional Travel Demand Model, approximately two percent of all trips within the study area are made using transit. the Atlanta region. Additionally, the number of people who take • Potential Choice Riders - Choice transit riders are defined transit to work or who have no car are both limited in number. as residents of the study area who have access to an These trends present an excellent opportunity to attract more automobile, yet choose to ride transit regularly. The study riders who are not transit-dependent. area’s 2009 median household income was $86,670, which is 60 percent higher than that of the Atlanta Metropolitan Key findings regarding socioeconomic conditions include the Statistical Area ($51,950). Likely factors to influence choice following: riders are convenience, time-competitiveness of transit and/ or proximity to employment locations.

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• Community Diversity – About 44 percent of study area focusing development in the major activity centers such as residents are from minority populations, about eight percent of the Perimeter Center area, Roswell Town Square and North all residents are defined by the US Census as being in poverty, Point Mall area. Section 4.4 of the Appendix discusses the and over nine percent are over the age of 65. Maintaining and jurisdictional Comprehensive Plans and Section 6.0 details each enhancing the character and functionality of the study area of the relevant corridor and sub-area studies in the corridor. neighborhoods will be an important consideration in assessing potential project impacts. 2.3 Environmental Features 2.2 Land Use, Zoning, and Local Plans The study area is home to the Chattahoochee River and Although the study area contains many large activity centers, associated park lands which are valuable natural resources and suburban employment centers and major trip generators, the recreational assets. The Chattahoochee River crossing at I-285 generally low-density, dispersed nature of the existing land may pose significant engineering issues and cost implications uses and development patterns could provide a challenge to as negative impacts to the natural and cultural system must be effective service through transit. The study area has witnessed avoided to the extent possible. Similar to the natural resources, significant levels of major development in recent years and it state and federal regulations protect these community is likely this trend will continue. Further, an analysis of planned facilities from disruptions and negative impacts. A more future land uses in the study area indicates support for higher- detailed examination of the potential environmental impacts intensity development in many locations. This is specifically will need to be conducted as the alternatives are developed evident in support for large-scale mixed-use development, and advanced through the project development process. Key which is particularly supportive of transit ridership. Numerous LCI’s in the study area also promote TOD adjacent to potential findings regarding the natural and built environments include or existing transit stations. Given the land use policy framework the following: of study area jurisdictions, it is likely future development will • Water Resources – Preliminary research identified 681 feature more transit-supportive characteristics than existing acres of wetlands, 2,016 acres of floodplains, and six named development and contribute to improved transit accessibility. rivers and streams within the study area. The crossing of the With the significant amount of office and retail employment Chattahoochee River could be a significant consideration in the found throughout the study area, there is the potential to development and analysis of potential alternatives. Many of the water resources within the study area are co-located with parks. maximize transit investment from the significant level of two- Figures 3-1 and 3-2 in the Appendix present water resources. directional ridership during peak commuting times, as opposed to single-directional ridership found in a primarily residential • Contaminated and Hazardous Materials Sites - Preliminary corridor. assessments have identified five sites of potential concern. Further research conducted as part of the study process Key findings regarding land use, zoning and local plans include may yield even more potential contaminated and hazardous the following: materials sites. • Land Use – Predominant existing land uses in the study • Parks - The study area includes 1,850 acres of parkland that area include residential (52%), commercial (24%), and open consists of portions of 31 public parks. Parks are frequently space (13%). Future land use plans show that residential along natural areas and water resources. Local plans show uses will continue to be the dominant type of use, but considerable community support for parks and a desire for mixed-use development will increase, especially along major physical continuity and community access. See Figure 3-3 in the corridors. Developments of regional impact (DRIs) have been Appendix for a depiction of parks and their location relative to concentrated in the Perimeter Center area and in the northern water resources. portions of the study area. Figures 2-12 and 2-19 in the Appendix depict existing land uses and recent DRIs. • Historic and Cultural Resources - Preliminary research has identified eight sites and one district in the study area that are • Related Plans and Efforts – A comprehensive review of listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Approximately relevant plans and studies was conducted that included 527 other sites and seven districts were identified as having seven Comprehensive Plans, ten Livable Centers Initiatives potential historic significance. Eight historic cemeteries and 11 (LCIs), and other corridor and subarea studies throughout the archaeological sites are also located in the study area. Historic study area. These studies are used to determine areas ideal and cultural resources are predominantly found along SR 9, for TOD. Implementing transit in places that are consistent the study area’s original travel corridor and the location of the with these plans is particularly helpful as these places already historic town centers of Alpharetta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. have the local stakeholder support and the recommended See Figure 3-4 in the Appendix for a depiction of historic and changes to local development regulations in these locations cultural resources in the study area. have already been made. There is a demonstrated interest in

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2.4 Transportation Conditions • Related Plans and Efforts - In accordance with the findings of Plan 2040, the GA 400 corridor is designated as a Regional Roadway congestion coupled with a high dependence on Employment Corridor 1. These are the areas proposed for automobile travel has had an adverse impact on mobility. Travel increased housing and employment density, and focus of demands are increasing but mobility options are limited because improved connectivity between Regional Centers and the transit travel times are not competitive with auto travel times. Region Core. Nineteen transportation related studies were reviewed as part of the data collection efforts. These plans The relatively small share of transit trip growth can be attributed include individual city comprehensive transportation plans, to the limited amount of transit projects planned in the region. detailed in Section 4.4 of the Appendix, and a number of transit Findings from this Existing Conditions and Future Trends Report studies conducted by various local and regional agencies. support this assertion. Key findings regarding land use, zoning Many of the findings from these studies recognize transit and local plans include the following: improvements as a significant need in order to address the mobility and accessibility issues in the study area. • Congestion - Of the 19 arterial roadways in the study area, only seven have a Volume-to-Capacity (V/C) ratio under 1.0 in the year 2010. In 2040, only three forecasts to have a V/C ratio under 1.0 and two roads, McGinnis Ferry Road and Glenridge Connector are forecast to have a V/C ratio of 2.0. Figures 4-3 and 4-4 in the Appendix present roadway traffic volumes. • Transit Mobility - Transit service in the study area is not time competitive with automobile travel or used as frequently. According to ARC’s travel demand model, transit travel times are significantly longer relative to automobile travel, and transit provides a significantly smaller share of all trips. Without exclusive rights-of-way, the buses that provide transit service north and west of the North Springs MARTA Station must share the congested roadways with other motor vehicles. The planned introduction of managed lanes on GA 400, if shared with transit, could improve transit travel times. However, between the years 2010 and 2040, as additional improvements are completed, forecasts predict the number of transit trips produced by and attracted to the study area will increase by 32.5 and 41.5 percent, respectively. Figure 4-1 in the Appendix presents existing transit service. • •Travel Demands - Application of the regional travel demand model provided the following data pertaining to trip volumes to, from, and within the study area. The number of year 2010 trips and 2040 forecasted trips, for all trip types, was calculated. Table 1-1 summarizes the trip volumes from, to, and within the study area. Between the years 2010 and 2040, the travel demand model forecasts an increase of trips from the study area of 28.7 percent, trips to the study area of 45.4 percent, and trips within the study area of 35.6 percent. Trips to and from Forsyth County are forecast to increase by approximately 90 percent during this period. Figures 4-7 and 4-8 in the Appendix present travel volumes. TABLE 1-1: Daily Person Trips

2010 2040 From study area (Productions) 362,900 467,100 To study area (Attractions) 682,600 992,600 Within study area (Productions and Attractions) 454,500 616,200 Source: ARC Travel Demand Model 2011

1 Regional Employment Corridors represent the densest development outside of the Regional Core and connect the various Regional Centers and the Regional Core via existing and planned high capacity transportation facilities.

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.Public and Stakeholder Input

Extensive public and stakeholder outreach has been ongoing • Connect to population and employment centers to engage the public in the AA process by receiving feedback • Establish a funding source for transportation improvements and/or information to supplement the technical analysis. The outreach process includes numerous interviews with elected • Increase number of bicycle/pedestrian facilities officials, key stakeholders and agency partners. Furthermore, • Increase number of pedestrian-scale roadways the project team has formed a Project Steering Committee Improve communications between agencies (cities, counties, (PSC), which is the advisory committee established to guide the • ARC, MARTA, GDOT, etc.) study process. The PSC is made up of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The SAC includes key members of the community, elected officials, residents and area employers to provide community insight and input on major project themes. The TAC is made up of representatives from state, local, and federal agencies who are responsible for providing input on technical and policy framework. In addition, a public meeting was held on January 26, 2012 to present the initial findings of this report and obtain feedback from the public. Highlights and re-occurring themes from the public and stakeholder outreach to date include the following:

• Improve east/west connectivity • Increase north-south and east-west transportation capacity • Improve multi-modal connections and access to existing transit systems • Coordinate with existing and future land use plans • Support planned and potential economic development • Provide opportunities for compact land development that supports transit ridership

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.Conclusion and Next Steps

The GA 400 corridor study area consists of diverse area and some of the projected trends that will continue in the neighborhoods served by a rich resource of community facilities future. Refer to the Technical Appendix for more detailed data, and public services. The lack of public transportation service, maps, and quantitative information that will be used to establish combined with a history of a lower density land development is the Purpose and Needs of the project and to help identify transit typical of suburban and exurban development. Recent planning alternatives. efforts, the nature of identified transportation projects and land use plans reveal a preference for a change in this development pattern and its associated impacts on quality of life. These changes include the development of identified areas for transit- supportive development in close proximity to GA 400. This reveals potential for successful development of improved transit services. The demographic analysis indicates that there is potential to capture the transit market in the study area given the appropriate transit investment. There is support for future higher-intensity development in many locations throughout the study area. Evidence of this support is included in the numerous LCI’s and other plans that promote transit-oriented development. Further, the combination of transit-supportive residential development and dense employment centers in the study area can support an efficient transit service by facilitating two-directional ridership (i.e., reverse commute) during peak travel times. The important transit travel markets appear to be study area residents traveling to jobs within the GA 400 corridor, commuters from outside the study area (within the I-285 Perimeter), and employees traveling to the major activity centers from adjacent communities outside the study area. This report provides an overview of the key findings in the study

TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONS NOVEMBER 2012 4-1